Distinguishing Between Normal Teenage Angst and Clinical Depression

Depression is a major predictor of a myriad of negative outcomes such as poor academic achievement, low self-esteem, decreased pro-social relationships, and higher risks of substance abuse (Healy, 2016). Additionally, these negative outcomes experienced by depressed teens may be even more apparent if the depression remains untreated. Findings mentioned earlier by Jones (2013) have also confirmed that this sensitive period in an individual’s life is particularly vulnerable to depressive symptoms that could lead to dire outcomes. These negative outcomes found by Jones (2013) concur with many of the same outcomes Healy mentioned. Moreover, research by Jaycox, Stein, and Paddock (2009) further delves into the impact of teen depression on these negative outcomes. Their study broadens knowledge on negative outcomes in teen depression by examining them over a long period of time. The data is compared to teens that are not depressed, but experience the same negative consequences. Results from the research concluded that the negative outcomes such as school achievement and poor relationships were significantly more severe in depressed teens. After stating the major consequences depressed adolescents experienced, their study further found that treating adolescents may not only have clinical symptom benefits, but also greatly

Paediatric depression (depression that usually affects youth ages five to eighteen, or in some cases, individuals up to age twenty-one) is on the rise, and is quickly becoming a significant issue in today’s society. Recent estimates have placed its prevalence at a combined percentage of between two and seven percent for those between the ages of six and eighteen years old. Identified by a range of symptoms including: “low mood, anhedonia [the inability to feel pleasure], defiance, pessimism, morbid thoughts and somatic symptoms,” (710) adolescent depression, very similar to adult depression, takes a toll on the lives of adolescent youth and often alters their personalities, actions and behaviors. It is clear that adolescent depression is a serious illness that should be combatted in a timely and appropriate manner, and Bermingham and Shearer’s suggestion of psychotherapy as an initial method of treatment for people

This article specifically covers depression in teens aged twelve to seventeen. It talks about what to pay attention to in teens and how teens that have a low outlook on their life, or that struggle with self-esteem are highly prone to developing depression. It covers the natural remedies for depression that is still in an early stage and includes statistics that help enforce the severity of depression in teens. It will help me to understand the effects and risks that depression has on teens

It is proven that one in five teens experience depression. Depression is a condition where a person feels hopeless, not motivated, or not interested in life, lasting at least 2 weeks or longer. There is an urgency to start talking about dealing with this because suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens and fifteen percent of teens have actually considered suicide. According to Amy Sutton 55% of the population without depression don’t consider it to be an actual disease. This stigma is making it close to impossible for teens to say they are going through depression. Some people say “it is just a phase”, “kids cannot get depression”, or “people with depression are crazy”. The contributing factors of rational thought, the stigma, judgement, and fear of treatment make dealing with the depression that much more difficult.

Adolescence, defined as a period between ages 13 to 19, is challenging for those individuals (Gladding, 2012; Crisp, Gudmundsen, & Shirk, 2006). During this time, adolescents are learning about themselves while also dealing with challenges affecting identity, transitioning in various areas of development, and coping with life stressors. Not being able to effectively deal with presenting challenges can lead to disorders such as depression. Persistent sadness and loss of interest in daily activities that cause impairment in daily functioning are characteristics of depressive disorders (APA, 2013). Adolescents, especially females, are more likely to suffer from depression or depressive like symptoms during their adolescent years (Crisp et al.,

No parent wants to admit that their child may be struggling with depression; often the thought of it is frightening. It’s difficult to be confronted by friends or family members who deem the behavior of your adolescent as strange or unusual. Many parents would brush it off or excuse the actions of the child as being lazy, seeking attention or going through a temporary phase. But in order to ensure their safety, it is critical that we minimize our affinity to stigmatize severe disorders and provide all the means necessary for the child’s road to recovery. It is important that we don’t allow feelings such as shame or embarrassment to stop us from seeking treatment for our loved ones. If the right precautions are not taken, serious consequences

The prevalence of depression in American and especially adolescents has immensely increased. The National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.) reported in the year 2013, an average of 2.6 million adolescents between the age of 12 to 17 in the U.S nation

Adolescence is a stage of maturation between childhood and adulthood that denotes the period from the beginning of puberty to maturity. However, many conflicting opinions are raised about weather such a stage of childhood is influenced by stress, depression, and suicide rate. Some people support the optimistic view that says that adolescence is not a period of storm and stress. Others, including me, support an opposite pessimistic view which characterizes adolescence as a period of stress and inner turmoil. Unfortunately, it has been recently proved that depression is a growing problem in today 's society and a major contributing factor for a multitude of adolescent problems. This is because , as research indicates, adolescent depression

Approximately 11.4% of the United States population or 2.8 million American Adolescents between the ages 12-17 have suffered from at least one Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in the year 2014 (National Institute of Mental Health 2014). A MDE is defined as a period of at least two weeks or longer where one experiences a depressed mood, loss of interest, and pleasure and experiences symptoms such as altered appetite, sleep issues , weight loss or gain, lack of energy, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Of these 2.8 million American adolescents suffering from depression less than 33% actually receive treatment (Teen Help 2015). Depression is a highly treatable disease with treatments ranging from therapy to the use of prescribed medication. Recent studies have shown that healthy lifestyle changes can also be an effective treatment for teenage depression and is a much cheaper alternative to more expensive treatment options. A healthy lifestyle can alter one’s brain chemistry thus improving teens mental health, and through healthful eating and daily exercise adolescents and teens can treat and prevent depression and anxiety disorders.

When thinking of teenagers we get the feeling of carefree days, days with no or minimal responsibility and days filled with fun, laughter and joy. This reality is a fairytale for some teenagers. Adolescent depression is a real and growing problem in our society. Numbers of depression diagnosed in adolescents are on the rise. Is this because of more depressed teenagers, or is there an explanation for this. Are there underlying problems or causes for the high depression numbers? Is there something that we can do to help these teenagers. What are the symptoms and diagnoses. Factors contributing to this problem are all things that will be discussed in this paper.

Depression in teens is a mental health condition that causes a continuous feeling of sadness over a prolonged period of time and a loss of interest in activities. This state of being affects how the teenager thinks, feels and behaves, which causes emotional, functional and physical complications. Symptoms of depression in teens include sadness and hopelessness, anger or hostility, periodical crying, withdrawal from social surroundings, loss of interest in activities, and changes in eating and sleeping habits (Mayo Clinic, n.D. para. 2). Because depression found in adolescents and teens is not as high as in adults, teen depression is not properly diagnosed. In other words,

The topic of this research paper focused on teenager’s experiences with depression, specifically how they interpret and understand their condition. Little research has been done to study how teenager’s daily activities, relationships and identity are affected while having a condition such as unipolar depression. Meanwhile, numerous amounts of studies have been run to analyze the experiences of adults with depression and the results that were found are relatively similar to the findings within this study. Depression is the most common diagnosis given to teenagers who seek mental health treatment. For those who do not seek treatment usually do not perceive their distress as depression. This can be particularly important because all while trying to diagnose adolescents, they are also experiencing developmental changes that alter their self-awareness and identity. In the development of depression most teens are found trying to identify why they are having these feelings and if it is normal.

It is no question that adults have large amounts of stress as a result of jobs, money, family issues and the economy. What is often overlooked is how much stress and anxiety teens experience. It is common knowledge that teens worry about school, grades, and sports; but this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the amount of stress teens go through. Teens today feel pressure from the whole of society to conform and to be popular or in style. Teens are also expected to plan for, and have their future mapped out; whether that involves pursuing a career or starting a family, or even both. All of these stresses can lead to a number of serious physical and mental issues including low self-esteem, self-harm, and even thoughts of suicide. The worst part about teen stress is that teens do not know how to handle it. They cannot cope with their changing responsibilities and this leads to role conflict and their inability to react to situations properly. The best thing a teen can do is find a way to control, regulate, and reduce the stress in their lives. In comparison, teens today experience higher levels of stress from academics and an abundance of extra-curricular activities which is only made worse by teen’s ineptitude to cope with these expectations.

The process of adolescence is a period of different changes happening in the transition from childhood to adulthood. During this time, a child is changing physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. This stage of life is the first time when parents need to let go and allow their children to be with peers and do more mature activities. A child in adolescence may begin to physically show signs of maturation along with the want for independence. This time can be a liberating part of life but can also cause children to feel disconsolate with themselves. Because of so many different changes happening in a child’s life during the period of adolescence, stress and depression are common factors that child may feel for the first time in

Adolescence is a developmental period when youth begin to experience a desire for intimacy and increased responsibilities both socially and academically. A number of factors influence how adolescents navigate this period of change. Positive outcomes are more likely if adolescents engage in healthy activities, have adequate social support, and are connected with their families. However, the negotiation of developmental tasks in adolescents may also be quite challenging and difficult, leading to the onset of adolescent depression, substance use, and ultimately suicide